Fontwell is a small hamlet in the heart of the Sussex countryside, made famous by Fontwell Park Racecourse, where in October 1949 Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II had her first win as the owner of Monaveen. The racecourse is still a popular venue with 23 meetings each year, including the customary Boxing Day race day. Fontwell itself is made up of several scattered cottages and equestrian centres, nestled within Slindon Woods on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Arundel is 5 miles to the east, here visitors are able to tread cobbled streets and explore this pretty market town with its castle and cathedral both set high up on the hills overlooking the River Arun. Arundel also offers quaint shops, art galleries and a number of pubs and restaurants, as well as a monthly farmers’ market, here you can buy local cheeses and breads, along with fruits and cakes, so why not fill your picnic basket and head for the South Downs, or to the coast for a day on the beach. You cannot come to this part of Sussex without visiting Goodwood. With horse racing, motor racing and Goodwood House, a 17th century stately house home to the Duke of Richmond (open to the public from March to October) everyone will have a day to remember. With so much to see and do you will want to return to this Sussex hamlet time and again.
